Most Popular Chinese Recipes

Discover China's most beloved dishes that have gained international acclaim. From sizzling stir-fries to perfectly steamed dumplings, these are the Chinese recipes that food lovers around the world most frequently search for and enjoy.

Famous Chinese Dishes Loved Worldwide

Chinese cuisine has conquered taste buds globally with its diverse flavors, textures, and cooking techniques. The following recipes represent the most popular Chinese dishes that have become staples in Chinese restaurants around the world and are frequently prepared in home kitchens outside of China.

Kung Pao Chicken - Spicy Chinese stir-fry with chicken and peanuts
Top Rated

Kung Pao Chicken

30 minutes Medium spicy Sichuan

This famous spicy stir-fry dish features diced chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors makes this dish irresistible.

  • Contains Sichuan peppercorns for numbing spiciness
  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors
  • Can be adjusted to your preferred spice level
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Mapo Tofu - Spicy Sichuan tofu dish with minced meat
Popular

Mapo Tofu

25 minutes Spicy Sichuan

A beloved Sichuan dish featuring soft tofu cubes in a spicy, aromatic sauce made with fermented bean paste, chili oil, and minced meat. The contrast between the silky tofu and the rich, flavorful sauce makes this dish a worldwide favorite.

  • Named after the smallpox-scarred lady who created it
  • Perfect blend of numbing and spicy sensation
  • Can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat
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Peking Duck - Famous Chinese roast duck with crispy skin
Classic

Peking Duck

3+ hours Mild Beijing

This imperial dish features a whole duck roasted to perfection with crispy, amber-colored skin and tender meat. Traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce, Peking Duck represents the height of Chinese culinary art.

  • Originated in the imperial kitchens of Beijing
  • Famous for its thin, crispy skin
  • Simplified home version available
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Sweet and Sour Ribs - Tangy Chinese pork rib dish

Sweet and Sour Ribs

45 minutes Mild Cantonese

These sticky, tangy ribs are coated in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity. The ribs are typically first deep-fried and then tossed in a rich sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.

  • Perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors
  • Tender meat that falls off the bone
  • Great as an appetizer or main course
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